Turbine bid for fields

Controversial plans to build seven giant wind turbines on the Shropshire border have been unveiled by developers.

Nuon Renewables believes the proposed development, which would be sited in fields in the Dorrington area near Market Drayton, would add "a 21st century symbol of people's commitment to renewable energy" to the north Shropshire landscape.

The scheme has stirred up strong opposition in the area, but company bosses claim they can ensure the giant structures will not cause any problems for residents.

If given the go-ahead, it is hoped the wind farm will produce about 29 million kilowatt hours of carbon free electricity each year - about the same as the domestic consumption of 6,000 households.

Nuon project manager Graham Davey said: "The Poplar Lane wind farm will add to the farming landscape of north Shropshire a 21st century symbol of people's commitment to renewable energy.

"I am well aware of a body of misreporting and misinformation on wind energy in general and Nuon's interest in this site. I have no doubt this will have caused unnecessary worry.

"There are of course some genuine concerns that require safeguards not only in the design of the proposal, but in ensuring compliance in the construction and operation of the wind farm.

"I can assure all concerned that Nuon is a responsible developer and operator and will fully comply with the standards."

While an application for a windfarm was submitted last month to North Shropshire District Council and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, it has not yet been validated.

North Shropshire District Council spokeswoman, Rian Huxley said: "We are just waiting for confirmation from Newcastle."

Terry May, co-ordinator of Veto on Rural Turbine Expansion (Vortex) windfarm action group in north Shropshire, said: "We are still waiting to see the plans.

"If things are exactly as they were before, however, then we still feel this is the wrong location."